A Note from Pastor Leslie

Last week at our monthly Mission Committee meeting, Cathe Talpas brought two books to share- one that was new to me (and I’m proud to say now sits upon my bookshelf) and one whose cover nearly immediately caught my breath with memories of discovering it for the first time. The book is called “Guerrillas of Grace” and it is a book of poetic prayers crafted by Ted Loder. I first discovered this book in seminary and spent a not-insignificant amount of time praying its pages. Almost immediately after that meeting, I scoured my shelves until I found my own copy, with a bookmark still holding space for the prayer entitled “God of Timelessness and Time”.

 

Time is a funny thing. Facebook offers us a daily reminder when the memories of this day over the years show up as a reminder. 13 years ago today, the sump pump in our basement failed and, after an emergency trip to Home Depot, we discovered the difference a shop vac can make in a flood. 9 years ago was apparently an incredibly over scheduled Saturday, with two soccer games, the first ever Lyon football scrimmage, a birthday party, and an evening concert downtown (complete with a trip to the ice cream parlor). 3 years ago I had the privilege of participating in the baptism of one of our dear Lyon College students. And just 2 years ago, news of our move here to Hot Springs became “Facebook official”. There was a rollercoaster of emotions as I read through all of those memories this morning, but also an awareness of just how much the passage of time changes our perception of those events. 

Ted Loder writes,

Thank you

for the sharp senses of the timeless stirring in my time,

and your praise in my heart;

for the undeniable awareness, quick as now,

that the need of you is the truth of me,

and your presence with me is the truth of you,

which sets me free

for others,

for joy,

and for you;

for your grace… my life… forever.

May God’s Timelessness and the gift of time stir in you today, too!

Handbells

Handbells will begin meeting on Sunday, May 5, at 11:30 a.m. If you are still considering joining the handbell choir, they will be meeting each Sunday after worship.

Mystery Member of the Week!

This week's mystery member is Paul Mills. Paul has worn many hats in our church and we deeply appreciate everything he does for us! Keep an eye out for next week's newsletter as we will have asked another church member 8 questions about themselves. Happy sleuthing!!

(If you are asked to be a "Mystery Member", please keep in mind that it is okay if there are some people that may guess who you are. The purpose is for people that don't know you, to learn about you, and the ones that do know you, to learn something new.)

1.      Where were you born?

Russellville, Arkansas

2.      What was your first job?

Selling and delivering the GRIT newspapers.

3.      What is your favorite vacation spot?

Sandy Beaches

4.      What movie or television show could you watch again and again?

Hallmark Movies and Mysteries

5.      What hidden talent do you have?

Cooking (roast, stew, potato salad, pimento cheese...)

6.      What was your favorite subject in school?

Science and History

7.      What skill would you most want to wake up tomorrow and be able to do?

To be a better writer and communicator.

8.      Why do you love First Presbyterian Church?

The friendship of the church members, along with a great environment to worship God.